Chair of trustees for charity (unpaid) - Volunteer

We're looking for a chair of trustees for an established and well-loved local charity, supporting older people in the Ilkley area. You can make a real difference to the older people in our community by leading our board of trustees over the next few years. You will be supported by a very committed group of trustees with diverse backgrounds, including two former chairs, so you won’t be on your own. We also have a very capable manager in post and a robust financial position. We aim to directly improve the mental health and wellbeing and reduce isolation of those we support.

Our clients are amazing people who have rich backgrounds and our support makes a huge difference to their day-to-day lives. You will also gain an insight into how the charity sector and board structures work. It is also an opportunity to connect more closely with your local community and meet a broad range of people.

Person Specification

• Essential
• Experience of leadership at Committee or senior management level.
• Ability to build strong, supportive relationships with the Manager and trustees.
• Strong empathy, communication, facilitation, and decision-making skills.
• Commitment to the wellbeing and rights of older people.
• Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries between governance and day-to-day operations.
• Desirable
• Experience in the voluntary sector or community services.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, risk management, or charity finance.
• Local community knowledge or networks.
• Understanding of governance and the legal duties of charity trustees.

What will you be doing?

Role Description: Chair of Committee of Trustees

Organisation: Small community charity supporting older people

Reports to: Committee of Trustees (collectively accountable)

Works closely with: Charity Manager

Time commitment: Up to 3 hours a week, flexible daytime/evenings

Location: Ilkley

Purpose of the Role: The Chair provides leadership to the Committee of Trustees, ensuring the charity is well-governed, legally compliant, and strategically focused. The Chair supports and oversees the Manager, who has delegated responsibility for day-to-day operations. The Chair ensures the Committee works effectively, makes sound decisions, and fulfils its duties in the best interests of older people who use the charity’s services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Oversight
• Lead the Board in jointly setting the charity’s strategic direction and priorities.
• Ensure decisions are informed by evidence, community need, and the charity’s values.
• Work with the Manager to monitor progress against strategic objectives.
• Encourage innovation and long-term planning while safeguarding the charity’s stability.
• Supporting and Supervising the Manager
• Act as the primary point of contact between the Committee and the Manager.
• Provide regular support, guidance, and constructive challenge to the Manager.
• Conduct the Manager’s annual appraisal and ensure they have appropriate professional development.
• Governance Leadership
• Lead the Committee in fulfilling its legal, financial, and strategic responsibilities, with support from trustees and local experts.
• Ensure the Committee operates collectively, constructively, and with a clear focus on the charity’s mission.
• Escalate issues to the full Committee when decisions exceed delegated limits or involve significant risk.
• Committee Management
• Chair Committee meetings effectively, ensuring inclusive discussion and sound decision-making.
• Address any governance issues, conflicts, or underperformance within the Committee.
• External Representation
• Act as an ambassador for the charity when appropriate.
• Build positive relationships with key stakeholders, funders, and partners.
• Support the Manager in representing the charity externally, stepping in only when strategic leadership is required.